The Trumpet of Victory Sounds

Last month, the topic was about being ready for those daily battles. We go from there to the last trumpet call when the victory is sounded and the enemy has waved the white flag in surrender. What will it take to get to this point?

There is the reality that not only does a person need to be prepared for the daily battles but a person must be “forward looking” to the victory. The spiritual battle plan that will bring a person to the day of victory is already laid out for us. All that is required is faith in God, trusting in God and walking with God. These three will allow a person to be released from POW status or at the ready on the battle lines to relaxing in God's presence. So when the trumpet sounds on the last day whether it is one's death or Jesus' return that brings all believers into the presence of God and to join in the celebration song of victory, the enemy will no longer be in our midst. Believers will be free from all temptation and sin. Believers will not be troubled or find they are worrying. And believers will not face persecution and a lack of unity with those around them.  

Faith in God

Success comes when one has faith in God. What does that look like? It starts with people who are still living separated from a relationship with God, taking a moment in time to repent from trusting in themselves and turning their trust towards God. Those who have already made this commitment, but have backslidden into trusting in their own ways as faithless followers, must do the same thing by repenting and turning back to God. This is the first step towards success. And not success as the world considers success. But success in living a life that can only bring honor to God. (2 Chronicles 20:20; Acts 20:18-21; Jeremiah 3:19-25)

The next step of success when lived out in faith comes by three strong measures in a person's life. A person must faithfully obey the commands God has given to them to love Him with their whole heart and soul as well as to serve Him. It is when people serve Him faithfully that they see the reflection of their own heart and spirit. It shows how much they fear God in reverence. When one is willing to throw away the gods and idols in their life that they had tended to lean on as their comfort and salvation in times of need and troubles and decides to lean on God Himself, then the choice has been made to let God be the one they serve. This is why service and an attitude that aligns with serving is a direct reflection where one is at with God. Not only is there obedience to God and serving Him but there is also the practice of guarding one's heart and spirit so not to have that faith broken. Man is warned about the danger of not guarding their spirit as it leads to an adulterous affair against God Himself. When one's faith is broken, their allegiance to God is severed and they are vulnerable to placing their faith in someone or something other than God Himself. That detests God just as it does when a spouse is unfaithful to their mate. So make certain to be obedient to God, have a willing heart to serve Him and practice guarding your heart to not break that covenant you have made with Him to trust in Him always. (Deuteronomy 11:13-15; Joshua 24:14-15; Malachi 2:10-16)

Wouldn't you like to be recognized in the same breath as Abraham who was the father of faith? One who did not abandon his kindness and faithfulness to his master? (Genesis 24:27)  

Trusting In God

Success comes in trusting in God. A person who is successful is looking for a couple things in life. Many are looking for success to bring them joy and peace in this world. The one thing that really makes a difference in one's joy and peace is where they place their hope on this side of heaven. Does a person live in fear or do they trust in God's unfailing love and salvation? When a person lives in fear, there is no internal peace or joy but when a person has experienced God's love and knows their salvation in knowing their eternity will be in God's presence, there is internal peace and joy. And it becomes evident in the way they live their lives because they are too busy rejoicing and full of gladness for knowing who they trust in and who has saved them. But for the person who does not have that inner peace and joy, they are walking around feeling dejected and at a loss of how to live their life constantly destroying others and sabotaging the things they hold onto. This is the person who places their trust in what they can gain and not in a relationship with Jesus Christ. I mean, how many people not full of peace and joy do you know that are walking around singing and enjoying life to the fullest? It is those who have recognized this about themselves that have allowed for God to lift them out of the slimy pits and destruction they have caused and to place them on a firm foundation that has caused them to experience a new song in life.

When a person puts their trust in God, they experience many things but one of them that becomes immediately evident is answered prayer. I cannot count the number of times when I did trust God to come through for me when I called on His name in prayer but I can count the number of times when he did not answer my prayers because I did not trust for Him to do so. Not one time was a prayer answered when I didn't put my trust in Him because I was too focused on trying to figure things out for myself. It is only when I trust in God that I can see Him at work and will see Him win the battles and allow for me to sing the victory song when the trumpets blow. This is why Moses' father-in-law provided advice to Moses explaining that he should surround himself with men who feared God and did not trust in dishonest gain. This dishonest gain I tend to think has to do with gains we make in life that have no purpose nor what God cares for us to have. Because dishonest gains never satisfy and one can never be satisfied without trusting in God. (Romans 15:13; Isaiah 12:2; 25:9; Psalm 52; 40:2-3; 1 Chronicles 5:18-22; Exodus 18:17-23)

Can you say that you have trusted in God as Hezekiah did to where no other king was like him before or after? Hezekiah held fast to God and did not cease to follow Him by keeping the commands Moses received from God. Because of it, he was successful in whatever he took on. (1 Kings 18:5-7)

Walking With God

Success comes in walking with God. There are three main scriptures that talk about walking in the ways commanded of man by God. Not only does it reflect our love to God but it also speaks highly of those who live in this manner. One way that stands out, when a person walks with God, is that they are considered blameless, not based on their deeds or good works but based on their relationship of faith and trust in God, that He alone provides salvation. Man can walk with their head held high, not in self-confidence or self-righteousness but based on the righteousness of Christ and in placing their confidence in Him who alone can save.

When one decides to be stiff-necked and rebellious, after having made a covenant with God, they no longer are able to succeed in moving forward. Instead they start failing and reverting back to their old ways and are taking the chance of being rejected and abandoned by God Himself. These people will be found walking alone and with their heads hanging down. But when one continues to walk blameless in the eyes of God, they receive His favor and honor and find their lives fruitful in character and relationships. These people are walking together with fellow believers and are noticed by their heads held high, knowing they have nothing to be ashamed of. (Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Joshua 22:1-5; Jeremiah 7:21-29; Psalm 84:11; Leviticus 26:9-13)

Are we people who desire to be like and strive to be like Enoch who is one described as having “walked with God?” The only other that I can recall that has that distinction is Noah. (Gen 5:22-24; 6:9)

Closing Thoughts

So as we celebrate Independence Day this month, remember the true day of independence comes when we place our life in total dependence on the One who created us. That would be God, Jesus Christ (His Son and our Lord and Savior) and the Holy Spirit (our Comforter). The blessing will be when we are all standing in God's presence when the last trumpet sounds … the blast of victory! Who of you will be there?

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21:3-5, NIV)

If you are looking for answers to have hope in your life once again, feel free to send me your question and I will look at addressing that topic in future publications.

John's Bio:

John served this nation for 20 years in the United States Navy. Since his departure from the Navy, he has begun pursuing a career in Addiction Studies which began at Allan Hancock College ( Santa Maria , CA ). In addition, he spent time as a Training Leader with a Christian Recovery program for 2 years as well as helping newcomers adjust into the program. He is in the process of developing a non-profit organization with the focus of ministering to those who are spiritually sick, broken, in bondage and feeling ill-equipped as a saint. Currently, he is an active member of Biltmore Baptist and resides in Asheville , North Carolina .

I would appreciate hearing from you whether it is a word of encouragement or in sharing feedback or asking a question based on your current situation. You may contact me via email at: John_03_16_Bates@yahoo.com

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